Things to do & places to visit in Ostergotland County, Sweden

Ostergotland County #5 destination in Sweden 2023. The average rating score is 4.36 based on 6.239 traveler reviews, of 207 attractions. Timezone: Europe/Stockholm, current date and time: Friday, May 03, 2024, 8:40.

Top things to do (40)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Motala Mastklättring (30 reviews)
- Klättring
Adrenaline & Extreme Tours • Climbing Tours

Fantastisk upplevelse och bra guidning. Jag kommer garanterat att klättra igen.
Det är verkligen något jag kan rekommendera. See more..
4.5 Kolmarden Wildlife Park (854 reviews)
- Nice visit, but beware the upsells
Spent More than 3 hours Zoos

Kolm�rden Zoo is unique. There is no other place which has so many animials and species of animals all brought together in one and the same place. Stand eye to eye with a wolf, or a tiger or a lion. Admire the giraffe, the rhinoceros and the polar bear. Th See more..
4.5 Flygvapenmuseum (828 reviews)
- An excellent museum with good exhibits which really helps explain the national psyche regarding the Cold War period
Military Museums • Educational sites

Flygvapenmuseum, the Swedish Air Force Museum, is a modern technical and cultural history museum with exhibitions that trace the development of military aviation from the pioneers of the early 20th century to the present. It offers a unique collection of aircrafts, many of which can only be seen at the Swedish Air Force Museum. Perhaps the most spectacular object in the collection is the Swedish DC-3, an aircraft that was a shot down by a Soviet fighter aircraft in 1952. More than fifty years later the DC-3 was found, salvaged and put to its final resting place here at the museum. Flygvapenmuseum is a place where knowledge and play come together in a natural way. The museum's science centre, the Flight Lab, features flight simulators and experimental stations on the theme of flying. Become a pilot for a day and sit behind the controls of the flight simulator - like flying for real! See more..
4.5 Gamla Linkoping Open-Air Museum (491 reviews)
- A MUST go
Friday: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours History Museums

Gamla Linkoping Open-Air Museum - year-round experiences Travel in time and experience life in a small Swedish city a hundred or more years ago. In the Old Town neighbourhood you will find wooden houses, cobblestone alleys, gardens and many museums. Here too are shops and crafts, a restaurant and cafe. A short walk through the Vallaskogen nature reserve takes you to Valla Farm, with museums showing the history of the countryside, farm animals, a large play area and a miniature golf course.Welcome to Gamla Linkoping Open-Air Museum - a place for play and curiosity, laughter and memories, a place to experience beauty and relaxation. See more..
4.5 Linkoping Cathedral (324 reviews)
- One of the largest Cathedrals in Sweden
Friday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals

For almost 800 years people have been coming to worship and pray at Linköping Cathedral. Work on the Cathedral was started in 1230, with the main building works being completed in 1520. The belfry and the west façade were added in 1885. Linköping Cathedral is the most impressive and expensive Swedish church building of the Middle Ages. Within the church you can see evidence of almost 800 years in which master craftsmen have expressed their faith in wood and stone See more..
4.5 The Industrial Landscape (273 reviews)
- An urban photographer's dream
Points of Interest & Landmarks

I was really surprised at how much I enjoyed just walking around the center of Norrköping! The center is packed with beautiful architecture set against the artificial waterfalls which are formed from the differing levels of the Motala River. My favourite spots were Holmentornet (best viewed from the east in the morning) and the view of the Museum of Work from Bergsbron in the afternoon/evening. If you enjoy urban photography, then definitely check this place out! See more..
4.5 Bergs Slussar (208 reviews)
- The first ditch effort
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Interesting piece of industrial architecture in a lovely setting. The Gota Kanal descends 19 meters through a succession of eleven locks. There is a large car park, tourist info and plenty of informative panels. Essentially this is a great place to relax, have a picnic or grab a bite to eat in one of the restaurants. The main spectator sport is watching the boats go through the locks. These are now electric, speeding up the process and calming tempers. A good few years a go, bickering couples struggling with boat and lock gave them the nickname of skilsmassa which roughly translates as divorce ditch in English. See more..
4.5 Tradgardsforeningen (197 reviews)
- Not to be missed
Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Parks

My wife and I saw the fountain while traveling on a bus the day before. What an amazing park - fountain, lake, ducks, walking paths-and more. Two play areas for children with an large array of equipment for them to play and investigate. There are volleyball courts, fruit trees and a cafe. We had a lovely time sitting by the fountain reading our books. That is another thing, there are so many seats spread around for you to enjoy the atmosphere See more..
4.5 Motala Motormuseum (188 reviews)
- More Than Just an Auto Museum
Speciality Museums

This is a delightful museum, displaying mostly automobiles, but also including a quirky and delightful collection of radios, TVs, tape recorders, cell phones, and just about anything that you can plug in. Call this a Nostalgia Museum more than just an Auto Museum. Motala is at the very northern tip of Lake Vattern, about two hours from Stockholm, so if your travels take you in that direction, I recommend spending some time here. The Nostalgi Hotel is next door. See more..
4.5 Vadstena Klosterkyrka (160 reviews)
- Birgitta
Historic Sites • Churches & Cathedrals

The church and monastery were at the time of our visit, very quiet, at a peaceful lake. The story of Saint Birgitta is very interesting. There are several nice sculptures representing her, one in ecstasy, another more realistic. The church also had fine altarpieces. The town itself is well worth a visit too, with wooden houses and a castle as a bonus. See more..
4.5 Visualization Center C (93 reviews)
- exciting spectacle
Spent 2-3 hours Science Museums • Children's Museums

Something that you’ve never seen before. That’s what we are – and that’s what we do. Visualization Center C is a research and science center in Norrkoping, Sweden, conducting a unique mix of leading visualization research and public outreach activities. The center hosts a large-scale arena for public visits and events including media labs, interactive exhibitions and an immersive 3D fulldome theatre. Step into our world and discover the experiences we offer; experiences in every sense of the word, from award-winning fulldome productions and interactive exhibits to consulting services and research partnerships. Visualization Center C is a result of a close collaboration between the Municipality of Norrkoping, Linkoping university, Norrkoping Science Park and Interactive Institute Swedish ICT. See more..
4.5 Alvastra Klosterruin (70 reviews)
- Beautiful ruins
Points of Interest & Landmarks

This is a beautiful place to visit, especially during the summer if the weather is good. a well preserved and impressive construction with a lot of information for those savvy for information. If you travel with kids this location have plenty of space for them to run around on, as well as rooms to explore, walls to hide behind and grass to play on. There is a small shop selling ice-cream (drinks?) and souvenirs right next to it. Perfect place to stop by as part of a day-trip in the area. See more..
4.5 Naturum Tåkern (68 reviews)
- A great nature experience for all ages
Temporarily closed - Closed until further notice Spent 2-3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Scenic Walking Areas • Children's Museums

Welcome to naturum Tåkern, a modern visitors center located at the shore of lake Tåkern, one of northern Europe’s most pristine and well renowned bird reserves! We offer guided tours of different themes, an exhibition about lake Tåkern and we welcome you to look at animals and plants in our laboratory. Watch the 14-minute-long movie about Tåkern (in English) or just have a coffee by the panorama window in front of the vast reed beds and breeding colonies of black-headed gull and common tern. Take a stroll on the nearby wetland pasture accompanied by lapwings and marsh harriers. We have a three story high bird tower and walking trails around the area. Welcome! See more..
4.5 Sancta Birgitta Conventmuseum (65 reviews)
- Santa Birgitta monastery
Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

This museum is a witness on the history of Christianity in Sweden, together with Santa Brigitte church where her tomb is located , the convent and the castle. It is set in one of the most beautiful sites on the shores of one of the biggest lakes in the country If you visit Sweden it is worth seeing especially in summer See more..
4.5 Borenshults Slussar (59 reviews)
- Good timing and so great to see
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Scenic Walking Areas

I always wanted to watch a lock working and baits being raised up levels. This was fantastic to see and we were really lucky to see 4 yachts being lifted up the levels - loved it See more..
4.5 Abackarna (58 reviews)
- Great place for a walk
Hiking Trails

I really enjoyed every minute spent at this place. It's calm, peaceful area with a river dividing two sides of the city and with a great environment around. See more..
4.5 Varamobaden (50 reviews)
- Best fresh water beach ever
Beaches

4km sand beach with crystal clear fresh water. Longest fresh water beach in Europe. Very family friendly. If you want to get away from the crowds on a hot summer's day, I recommend heading to the north end of the beach. Fewer parking places, but aLSO less people. See more..
4.5 Vattern (49 reviews)
- Water clear as cristal
Biking Trails • Hiking Trails

Lake Vättern is one of Swedens most butiful lakes with cristal clear water and many oportunities for a swin (even if the water can be a bit cold). Don't miss a visit in Motala harbour and the long sandy beach Varamon. See more..
4.5 Carl Johans Park (49 reviews)
- Nice little park
Parks

Took a nice stroll from the train station towards town through the park, nice scenery. Nothing spectacular. See more..
4.5 Fenomenmagasinet (47 reviews)
- You can feel passion of the director, Jan Engqvist everywhere!
Children's Museums

You can feel passion of the director, Jan Engqvist everywhere in the museum! Feel passion and get inspired! See more..
4.5 Kinda Kanal (47 reviews)
- The locks are huge, awe inspiring
Historic Sites • Bodies of Water

This small canal is great to walk or cycle along with cafes to enjoy too. The locks are huge and interesting and their is nice wildlife to be enjoyed. See more..
4.5 Norrkopings Konstmuseum (42 reviews)
- Free, family-friendly and fantastic!
Friday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Art Museums

Don't let yourself be fooled by the lack of signs in the city -this is a pearl, a hidden treasure. For those who seak a high quality artsceen or a inspiering atmosphere for contemplation. Few visitors during weekdays gives you space but wednesday nights may surprice you with diffetent programmes such as conserts or public lectures. Waiting for next years events... See more..
4.5 Tinnero Eklandskap (35 reviews)
- An amazing place where you can walk for hours
Spent 2-3 hours Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails

This is my favorite place in Sweden. I go here as often as I can, and I am always pleasantly surprised by its beauty and diversity. You can walk around there for hours. There are numerous different paths that you can take. There are bike paths, walking paths, car paths, trekking paths, etcetera. I recommend going there late spring or early autumn, but it is beautiful the whole year. See more..
4.5 Högby Spa & Konferens (32 reviews)
- A relaxing stay
Spas

I vastra Ostergotland i granslandet mellan slatt och skog ligger var Spa och Konferensanlaggning. Var Spaavdelning ar inspirerad av Hamam och har njuter man i nagon av vara fem pooler, angbastu eller torrbastu. Skona behandlingar erbjuds. Dagspa eller ocksa med overnattning. Hotellet har 25 baddar. Har ar ocksa en plats for moten. Vi har tva konferensrum, for 10 resp 25 personer. Vi erbjuder en lugn och avkopplande med miljo. See more..
4.5 Ekopark Omberg (31 reviews)
- The forbidden forest.
Mountains • Nature & Wildlife Areas

It's not, but it does have a magical feeling to it. There are various trails you can take (from 1 to 27 km long). Took the blue trail (6km), which takes you to the highest point of Omberg and to the steep cliff, bordering the lake. Take a pleasant hike in this viking forest. See more..
4.5 M/S Kung Sverker (30 reviews)
- Fantastic experience
Friday: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM Boat Tours • Boat Rentals • Nature & Wildlife Tours

A rainy and dull day on this boat, well worth it! Fantastic scenic views, captain explained the history of the canal, good food and overall a great experience well worth the money. Nice stop and walk around the lakeside village See more..
4.5 S:t Laurentii Kyrka (25 reviews)
- Impressive archictecture
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites • Churches & Cathedrals

Nice church, located quite close from Gota canal. The clock tower is unique. One of the best churches I have visited in Sweden. See more..
4.5 Ellen Keys Strand (23 reviews)
- Beautiful place to sit down by the lake.
Friday: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM Cultural Tours • Historical & Heritage Tours

Named after significant swedish author, this place lives up to that name. There are guided tours of the beachhouse, which start, if I'm not mistaken at 11am and 2pm, costs 20kr. But It's really nice to just go down by the lake, sit down in the patio and relax. See more..
4.5 Sörsjöns Äventyrspark (22 reviews)
- Great fun
Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks

Our kids really loved this treetop adventure. We spent 2 hours climbing and my kids could have spent many more hours. This place is besides a camping area and a public beach. Bring your BBQ and enjoy swimming whilst your kids have fun. Staff is attentative and speak good English. See more..
4.0 Vadstena Castle (186 reviews)
- Impressive castle which still looks like it could survive a siege
Spent 1-2 hours Castles

Beautiful castle, with big, impressive defensive towers and surrounded by a cool moat. Interiors were ok, with some interested halls decorated with paintings and old furniture, but nothing too special compared to other castles or palaces in Europe. The exterior can be appreciated any time of day, but the best spot for a photo is from the southern corner at midday. The north western side of the castle is really cool, but there are several big trees in Hamnparken which are too close to the castle and therefore block the view. Overall, the castle, abbey church and the lovely town streets in between make Vadstena well worth a visit. See more..